June Favourites
Hello, hello! My bad for the lull in updates around here. I’ve been having a pretty busy summer so far, between my day job, writing for The Klog, and just generally trying to have a social life (and eating lots of pasta) when I manage to find the time.
But enough about that. Let’s get to the good stuff. Beauty products, that is. I tried to have a “no spend” June which had the exact opposite effect and caused me to spend more than I should have, but the result of that is that I got to try some new things, many of which I really, really like. So here they are!
Don’t they look nice?
Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30
I have been on the hunt for a powder with an SPF of 30 or more for awhile now, and they’re surprisingly hard to find here in Canada because of our super-strict sunscreen regulations. Thankfully, I discovered this one at the drug store, which contains zinc and titanium dioxide to create a physical shield against UV rays. Obviously I’m applying a full layer of SPF to my face in the morning, but this is excellent for touch-ups throughout the day when my normally dry face starts to get slick. The formula goes on quite sheer, has a light texture that doesn’t feel caky, and hasn’t caused me any breakout issues after a few weeks of daily use. My only issue is that the included brush is crappy, so I threw it out and replaced it with a round sponge. Works a charm.
emerginC Triple Threat Peel
This I did not buy, but was instead gifted by the brand, however I wanted to give my honest opinion anyway. As a diehard user of the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta peel pads, I am always looking for a peel that smooths, brightens and heals without causing much irritation, and the quicker the process, the better. Enter the Triple Threat Peel, which works its magic in 2 minutes. Applied to dry skin with an included small fan brush, a thin layer of this works swiftly to remove dead skin cells and speed up the renewal process, leaving behind a baby soft complexion after rinsing with cool water. I have pretty sensitive skin but the tingling that came with using this was mild, and my skin has had no redness or irritation issues after using this multiple times. It’s packed with glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, retinol, vitamin C and more, meaning it’s an exfoliating and anti-ageing powerhouse. I’m hooked.Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Starstruck
I got this highlighter stick as part of the Match Stix Trio and I was immediately in love. It glides on beautifully and instantly adds a pop of light to the skin. There’s just the right amount of pearlescent shimmer that makes your skin look dewy as hell, but it’s packed into a long-wearing formula that grabs onto skin and won’t budge.
388 Likes, 36 Comments - Hannah Johnson (@hannahejo) on Instagram: "wearing what will likely be my two most-used products this summer: @fentybeauty Shimmer Skinstick..."
Hourglass Cosmetics Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss in Canvas and Ignite
I have a severe addiction to lip gloss (more on that another time) and these Hourglass glosses have become fast favourites. Formulated with avocado oil and shea butter, they go on like a dream and hydrate as you wear, with a slight tingling and plumping effect for fuller-looking lips. The custom applicator, a wide, paddle-shaped foot that smoothly dispenses the right amount of product, is also a highlight. I have a few shades of these but Canvas (a warm rosy nude that’s just slightly deeper than the shade of my natural lips), and Ignite (a sheer shimmer with flecks of copper and gold) are my two current favourites. I have to have one of these in my purse at all times. Highly recommend swatching them in-store first just to see the beautiful colour payoff and shine.Stila Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer in Porcelain
I’m forever on the hunt to find a foundation that is:
a) full coverage enough to hide my redness but not look heavy
b) soft finish without looking greasy or too matte
c) long-wearing
d) cruelty-free
… and I think this Stila one ticks all the boxes. Bonus is that it comes with a coordinating concealer in the cap. Now that it’s summer, I’m not wearing as much makeup as possible, but I do like to buff a little of this into the centre of my face where I get the most discolouration, and set it down in my t-zone with the Physician’s Formula powder and a big fluffy brush. It gives my skin this soft-focus, blurred effect that lasts all day, and a little goes a long way. I don’t know if this is my holy grail concealer (I’m probably still searching) but it’s pretty dang good. Let’s say 4 outta 5 stars.
What products have you been loving so far this season? Let me know! And tell me your favourite CF foundations, why don’t you?
